Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common dental operations in America. Around 85% of Americans have their wisdom teeth removed, due to the high risk of complications like tooth impaction, teeth shifting, and other hazards.
So how can you tell if your wisdom teeth are impacted, and need to be removed? By taking a look at this guide from Apple Valley Dental Group!
Here’s a list of the 5 most common indicators that your wisdom teeth are impacted, and need to be removed.
1. Throbbing Pain In The Rear Of The Mouth
When wisdom teeth are impacted, you’ll notice a great deal of pain over time – especially as they continue to grow in. You’ll feel pain that radiates from the rear of your mouth, near your molars and wisdom teeth.
As your wisdom teeth come in, your other teeth may become displaced – further increasing the intensity of the pain.
2. Tender, Swollen Gums With Excessive Bleeding
Impacted wisdom teeth can damage your gums quite a bit – and tender, swollen gums that bleed when brushing or flossing are a sure sign that your wisdom teeth are impacted, and damaging your gum tissue.
Tender, swollen gums can also be a sign of gum disease, so it’s important to get checked out by a dentist right away, regardless of the cause.
3. Swelling Around The Jaw
In extreme cases, the jaw and tissue surrounding your gums can become inflamed and swollen, making it difficult or painful to open your mouth. If you notice these symptoms, see a medical professional right away.
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes In Your Shoulders And Neck
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to an infection. This, in turn, can cause the lymph nodes in your shoulders and neck to become inflamed, causing additional pain and discomfort.
5. Frequent, Intense Headaches
Impacted wisdom teeth can affect your bite position. This can cause your temporomandibular joint – which connects your jawbone to your skull – to be displaced. The pain caused by this displacement can cause serious headaches. This pain is commonly felt near the ear and temple, but can spread to the rest of the head and face.
Don’t Suffer From the Pain of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth – Come To Apple Valley Dental Group!
Apple Valley Dental Group can help remove impacted wisdom teeth, and reduce your pain and discomfort. If you’re suffering from one or more of the above symptoms, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with our dental staff today. We can examine your mouth and determine whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth, and recommend the appropriate next steps, including wisdom tooth extraction.
Our experienced, professional staff will make your appointment quick and easy – and ensure that you get the proper care for your wisdom teeth. Contact us online to schedule your consultation, or give us a call at (540) 635-2493 now.